Water activities are trendy, especially during the summer heat. We all feel the occasional desire just to hit the waters, but before we do that, we also need the right gear for the occasion. All water sports require wetsuits, and different activities have different ones.
The wetsuits for surfing and diving are not the same. They are designed for two completely different sports, and the purpose that they serve is also different. The material for diving wetsuits is thicker and denser and designed to withstand greater wear and tear. It is also designed to keep you warmer. While surfing, wetsuits are lighter and not as warm. Their material is not that hard, either.
This is because both the wetsuits are designed keeping their respective activity in mind.
Let’s explore these critical differences in greater detail. But before we understand the differences, let’s understand why they exist.
Why Are Diving Wetsuits Not The Same As Surfing Wetsuits?
The nature of the two sports is very different. For example, surfing requires balance and stability, so the wetsuit is lighter. The wetsuit’s environment is also very different, and the wetsuits are designed to suit their environment.
When we dive underwater, we experience more pressure. Even 10 meters below the water, the pressure is twice as much on the surface. More pressure means that the way the wetsuit is designed has to be different too.
What are some key differences?
Keeping these reasons in mind, both the suits have aspects that make them unique from one another.
The Material Used Is Different
The material that is used for scuba diving wetsuits is thicker and denser. This makes them less flexible but allows them to withstand high water pressure.
As for surfing wetsuits, the material is usually lighter and thinner to allow greater flexibility and mobility for the surfers.
Surfing And Diving Wetsuits Have Different Seals
Surfing wetsuits have tighter seals to limit the amount of water rushing in and out of the suit. The surfers cannot afford to get the water from the crashing waves into the suit because that would reduce stability.
This is not a problem for diving wetsuits.
Different Levels Of Thickness Are Suited For Different Temperatures
The temperature underwater is usually colder than it is on the surface. Divers typically don’t produce the same heat underwater as surfers when constantly moving above the water surface. This is why diving wetsuits are designed thicker to keep the diver warm.
To understand the differences explained in the article more comprehensively, you can watch this video.
Can The Two Suits Be Used Interchangeably?
They can still be used interchangeably, but it is not advised. Each activity can be done more efficiently if you have the proper gear.
There is no harm in exchanging them, but using different wetsuits is better.
The Conclusion
In short, the two types of wetsuits differ in their uses. And as a result, their material, thickness, and design are also different.
To fully enjoy these two activities, you need to invest in their respective gear.
